Top 20 of the places to visit and things to do in Porto

One of the things to do in Portugal is definitely visiting Porto. The city of Porto has a remarkable importance in Portugal’s history – it was the city that gave the name to this beautiful country. By visiting Porto you will discover a city like no other in Europe, friendly people, a rich gastronomy and much more – there are in fact so many things to do in Porto!

Here are the places to visit and things to do in Porto:

1. Aliados Avenue (Avenida dos Aliados)

The avenue Avenida dos Aliados is the centre and heart of Porto city. At the top of this avenue you can find the beautiful building housing Porto’s city hall. Going downwards to Ribeira, make a little detour to São Bento train station and enjoy the beautiful glazed tiles.

2. Rua de Santa Catarina

This is definitely the most commercial street in Porto and one of the most crowded places in the city – most part of the street is solely for pedestrians.

Apart from the typical clothing and footwear shops you’ll find here, know that this is the placewhere several street artists perform, from mimes to singers and statue men – there are several small shows that you won’t want to miss!

One of the places to visit in Porto, that you can find in this street, is the wonderful Café Majestic, considered as one of the most beautiful and exquisite cafés in the world. Here you can have the meal you want but know that prices are above average.

Other points of interest in this street that you won’t want to miss are the amazing chapelCapela das Almas, where you can admire the exterior glazed-tile panels (over 15 000 glazed tiles), and the beautiful Via Catarina shopping centre with emphasis on the dining area, on the top floor, that depicts the typical quarters of Porto.

3. Bolhão Market (Mercado do Bolhão)

One of the things to do in Porto that should be on your list is a visit to Bolhão Market – here you’ll discover the real nature of Porto’s inhabitants, welcoming and friendly.

Built in 1914 to gather the city’s merchants until then scattered across Porto, Bolhão Market still is an important place to visit even though the building has had happier days. You will find florists and fresh products like fish, meat and vegetables.

Information: starting on May 2018, and for a couple of years, it won’t be possible to visit this market since it is closed for renovations.

4. Galerias Paris

“Galerias Paris” is part of Porto city nightlife since 2007 and is definitely a must-go place for people who want to have fun, drink, listen to music or just meet other people.

This place is constituted mainly by the streets Rua da Galeria de Paris, Rua de Cândido dos Reis and Rua do Conde de Vizela. Here, you’ll find beautiful buildings, like the ones in the original Paris galleries (hence the name “Galerias Paris”).

Among other bars and discos, there are some worth mentioning like Plano B, La Bohéme and Moreclub.

While visiting Porto, take the opportunity to get to know this city’s nightlife and savour a nice gin, a caipirinha or try one of the many shots while admiring the majestic Torre dos Clérigos or the beautiful Lello Bookshop.

5. Lello Bookshop (Livraria Lello)

Considered one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world, Lello Bookshop inspired J.K. Rowling to write Harry Potter. Inside, apart from the books, you can admire a unique atmosphere with its majestic stairway leading to the upper floor.

There’s a small bar in the first floor where you can have a cup of coffee while admiring the beauty of Lello Bookshop.

7. Centro Português de Fotografia

This is one of the buildings with more stories to tell in Porto city and is located right in front of the beautiful Cordoaria garden and beside the imposing Clérigos Tower.

Even though it is today the Portuguese Photography Centre, it was for some time the court and prison Tribunal e Cadeia da Relação.

This building was built in the end of the 18th century and was used as a prison for almost 200 years and criminals were kept here, among whom the famous Portuguese writer Camilo Castelo Branco, accused and convicted for adultery with Ana Plácido, who was incarcerated in this prison too.

In the end of the 20th century the building underwent restoration works that would allow this place to harbour the Centro Português de Fotografia (Portuguese Photography Centre). Its goal is to promote the photographic heritage but this is also a place to visit for its rich collections and exhibitions and, of course, for the building’s architecture that will make you travel in time.

8. Palácio da Bolsa

Built in 1862 in a neoclassic style and inspired by the Moorish style, it was meant to be the headquarters of the Commercial Association of Porto. During your visit, you can’t miss the Pátio das Nações and the marvellous Arab Room.

9. St. Francis Church (Igreja de São Francisco)

Built in the 14th century, St. Francis Church is beyond any doubt the most beautiful church in Porto, mainly because of its gilded wood interior. About 500 kg of gold were needed to literally cover the church’s interior. The luxurious church will surely astonish you and visiting it should definitely be on your list of things to do in Porto.

10. Porto’s Cathedral (Sé do Porto)

The construction of the Cathedral began early in the 12th century but ended only during the 13th century. The Cathedral was fortified to secure the city against the invaders. The windows are narrow and little light passes through; the main chapel was completely reconstructed in the 18th century.

11. Ribeira

Of the things to do in Porto you can’t miss a visit to Ribeira. Listed as a UNESCO World HeritageSite since 1996, Ribeira, Douro’s riverfront, is the most emblematic quarter and part of the historic centre of Porto.

Have a stroll through the narrow streets to discover the real appeal of this place. In Ribeira’s riverfront you may gaze at Luis I bridge, designed by the engineer Théophile Seyrug, Gustave Eiffel’s disciple.

12. Port Wine Cellars (Caves do vinho do Porto)

On the other side of Douro river, in Vila Nova de Gaia, there are more than 50 Port Wine cellars.

Even though the wine was named after the city, the vineyards are 100 km away, in Douro valley; the wine is then transported to Porto to be aged and sold. Numerous cellars may be visited and give you the opportunity to taste many types of Port wine.

13. Serra do Pilar Monastery (Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar)

Despite being located on the other side of the river, I decided to include this monastery in this top of the places to visit and things to do in Porto since it is a viewpoint with unique and wonderful views over Porto city.

Serra do Pilar Monastery keeps the interesting church and cloister, built in 1538; of round format, it is a replica of Santa Maria Redonda in Rome and a unique example in Portugal. In 1832, during the Siege of Porto, the monastery was converted into a temporary fortress.

It is a military barracks since the beginning of the 20th century and is currently under the responsibility of Serra do Pilar Artillery Regiment.

Enjoy the beautiful landscape from the viewpoint, in front of the church, overlooking Porto and Douro river.

14. Carmo Church (Igreja do Carmo)

Portuguese national monument since 2013, this is one of the most beautiful churches in Porto, especially because of its front and side façades and the interior’s gilded wood.

In the front façade, a couple of important figures of the Lay Carmelites stand out, the prophets Elijah and Elisha, and sculptures of the four evangelists. I should mention the importance of the architect Nicolau Nasoni in the design of this façade – he is well-known mostly for its amazing work in Clérigos Tower.

In the side façade, you’ll be amazed with the magnificent panel of glazed tiles. This panel is younger than the church itself, more specifically from the beginning of the 20th century.

A brief reference to the other church you’ll find at this location, the church Igreja dos Carmelitas, that contributes to a unique set at a national level – two churches separated by the narrower house in Porto.

15. Palácio de Cristal Gardens

Considered one of the favourite green locations in the city and surrounding area, Palácio de Cristal gardens are, definitely, a place to visit in Porto!

Surrounding the sports hall Pavilhão Rosa Mota, these gardens will amaze you for the diversity of flowers and plants you’ll find there and much more.

Take the opportunity to stroll along the avenues flanked by huge trees and admire true wonders that hide in this place like the beautiful chapel of King Charles Albert, built in the mid-19th century. In addition, you can admire different types of birds like the beautiful peacocks.

Don’t leave this amazing place without enjoying some of the most wonderful panoramic views over the cities of Porto and Gaia and Douro river. If you have the chance, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the magnificent gardens of Quinta de Tait and Quinta da Macieirinha, adjacent to Palácio de Cristal.

16. Casa da Música

Casa da Música is one of the most original, intriguing, mysterious, beautiful buildings in the city (among other adjectives that characterise this work of art since 2005).

Designed by the prestigious architect Rem Koolhaas, this building has the goal of giving a new life to Praça Mouzinho de Albuquerque and surrounding area with its various shows, where classical music and jazz concerts stand out among other music genres.

But this isn’t just a place for music lovers – if you like architecture, this is definitely a place to visit in Porto. Go on a guided tour and explore the winding halls and get to know some of the concert halls too.

In addition, I must point out the magnificent and elegant restaurant on the top floor of the building that offers amazing views over Boavista roundabout and surrounding area and the signature cuisine with affordable dishes – it’s definitely worth your while!

17. Porto Botanic Garden (Jardim Botânico do Porto)

Another of the things to do in Porto is a visit to the botanic garden, a beautiful green space located in this wonderful city.

This botanic garden is part of a once 12-hectare property, a number that dropped to half after the construction of the access points to Arrábida bridge, in 1963.

Nowadays, this botanic garden is a 4-hectare treasure that few people know in the city but that’s worth visiting! Discover two beautiful gardens, the greenhouses and the rosarium that are fundamental for the biodiversity of this place.

Aside from the rare and exotic species that you’ll find throughout this location, another element that stands out is the beautiful house Casa Andresen that was once a beacon in the life and work of one of the greatest Portuguese poetesses – Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen.

18. Serralves Museum, House and Park

This is one of the most important cultural spaces in the city and in the country!

Here, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the amazing contemporary art museum, designed by the architect Siza Vieira, and admire several works of art in exhibition.

The house Casa de Serralves is a Portuguese national monument and another museum by itself and an extraordinary example of art deco in Portugal. Built during the first half of the 20th century, this is another place to admire several works of contemporary art.

The park surrounding the house and museum is another point of interest and a visit to this place should be on your list of things to do in Porto. Here, you’ll have the possibility to admire the beautifulbiodiversity, composed of native and exotic species.

Apart from the gardens, the woods, the fields and the forest you’ll also find several sculptures that embellish this place.

19. City Park (Parque da Cidade)

This park is also known as the “green lung” of the city and it is the biggest city park in Porto and in Portugal, with around 83 hectares.

People coming here have the possibility to spend some pleasant times in the company of family and friends whether relaxing on the grass that cover the majority of the park or strolling through the several paths, some of which leading to the seafront.

Apart from the beautiful green colour of the grass you’ll also be amazed by the diversity of trees as well as some lakes that delight children that throw bread crumbs to attract ducks that swim there.

This park is also used by those who play sports and that come here to jog, hike, play football, volleyball, among others, but know that you can also take the opportunity to visit Pavilhão da Água, a beautiful theme building.

20. Foz

The area where Douro river flows into the Atlantic Ocean, also known as Foz do Porto or Douro, has several points of interest making of this place one worth visiting outside the historic centre.

Of the things to do in Porto, make sure you stroll in the beautiful Passeio Alegre. Constituted by a wonderful public garden, this place invites people to go on a romantic stroll in a 41 000 m2 area where you can also take the opportunity to play minigolf with your friends or family.

Next, go to the beautiful Fort ofSão João Baptista da Foz. Built in the 16th century, this fort protected Douro river mouth and was improved throughout the centuries to prevent possible Spanish and Napoleonic attacks.

You can end your visit to Foz do Porto with a stroll to Douro quay lighthouses or take the opportunity to enjoy the small but beautiful beaches in this area.

Are you going to visit Porto? Then don’t hesitate to book your hotel room, your car or the best activities by clicking the links below. This way you are helping me in the development of my blog and I’ll be able to offer you free tips and travel guides so that you can better prepare your visit to Portugal.Thank you!

About The Author

Tiago, 31 years old, Parisian for 18 years, I decided to go on an adventure and make my dream come true: get to know our country from one end to the other. I believe that if we don’t know our origins we don’t truly know ourselves. Read more here